This requires the atl1.ko driver which is Free Software but is currently unavailable in the gNewSense kernels. We need to fetch and install the latest Linux-Libre kernel for this. You will obviously need to perform this task on another machine.

The simplest method to install the latest Linux-Libre kernel is to use the pre-compiled debs by gnufs. They can be found here.

Once you have the two packages downloaded, transfer the files to the Aspire and install them like so:

Then restart the laptop. The new kernel will be the default option in grub.

Headphones

Issue: Using headphones will not automatically mute the speakers

You will need to manually mute FRONT, CENTER, LFE and SIDE and raise SURROUND.

Then insert the headphones in the black audio port as normal.

Some More Notes

With the Linux-Libre kernel in place you will have support for pretty much everything. Including hotkeys, special hotkeys, audio and vga-out.

It will not yet however provide support for wireless and suspend/hibernate. I would recommend swapping out the Wireless card for one that is supported by Free Software. The FSF maintains a nice list here.